Bench of firsts: JSC rewrites history with new judges

The new judges include 24 new High Court judges and 13 Environment and Land Court judges. The appointments followed a rigorous, transparent selection process by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). 

The judges include Lady Justice Lilian Tsuma Lewa, the first female judge from Kilifi County to serve in the Environment and Land Court. 

The judiciary termed Tsuma’s appointment as a milestone for a coastal community that has long awaited its place on the bench.

Among the appointees was the first female Judge of the High Court from Narok County.

Lady Justice Winnie Molonko’s appointment carried the hopes of a region whose women have historically been underrepresented in the highest corridors of justice.

Lady Justice Patricia Leparashao, the first female High Court judge from Samburu County, was also sworn in. 

The judiciary also termed Justice Abdi Hassan’s appointment as an effort to bring the voice of Wajir County to the High Court bench and ensure Kenya’s Northeastern region is not on the periphery of justice.

In addition, Lady Justice Joyce Gandani emerged as the first female judge from Kilifi County in the High Court.

Another distinctive appointment was that of Justice Joseph Biomdo, who is the first Judge ever appointed from the Ministry of Defence. 

The Judiciary said the new appointments looked at the full spectrum of Kenya’s professional excellence, bringing on board candidates from academia, legal fraternity and the public service.